Jagung

Maize (Zea mays) 

It is also known as Maize (English), Jagung (Malay/Indonesian), Mais (Filipino/Portuguese), Ngawk (Thai), Bap (Korean), and Makki (Hindi). 

A. Taxonomical Information

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Poales

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Zea

Species: Zea mays 

B. Morphology/distribution/habitat info

Morphology

The stem of Zea mays is upright, jointed, and solid, typically growing between 2 to 3 meters tall depending on the variety and growing conditions (Amanullah et al., 2014). The leaves are long, flat, and arranged alternately along the stem. Each leaf has a prominent midrib and a slightly rough texture, which helps support photosynthesis (Shah et al., 2017).

The plant has a fibrous root system along with prop roots at the base, which provide stability and assist in nutrient absorption from the soil (Singh et al., 2020). Zea mays produces separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers grow in a tassel at the top, while the female flowers form the ear (cob), which is enclosed by husks and silk strands (Sharma et al., 2018).

The fruit of maize is a grain or kernel that develops in rows on the cob. These kernels can appear in various colors, such as yellow, white, red, or purple, depending on the maize variety and pigmentation genes (FAO, 2021).

Distribution

It was first domesticated in Mexico and Central America, and later spread to North and South America (Piperno et al., 2009).

Through trade and colonization, maize was introduced to Europe, Africa, and Asia, where it adapted to different climates and soil types (Sharma et al., 2018). Today, major maize-producing countries include the United States, China, Brazil, India, and Indonesia (FAO, 2021).

In Malaysia, maize is cultivated in several states, including Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Sabah, primarily for food, livestock feed, and small-scale industries (MARDI, 2021). The plant thrives in warm, sunny environments with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils (Shah et al., 2017).

Habitat Info

The best grow in warm and sunny environments with moderate rainfall between 500–800 mm per year (FAO, 2021). It is a tropical and subtropical crop, but it can also grow in temperate regions with a warm growing season (Shah et al., 2017).

The plant prefers fertile, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows well in loamy and sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 (Amanullah et al., 2014). Maize does not tolerate waterlogged or highly acidic soils, as this can affect root development and yield (Singh et al., 2020).

In Malaysia, maize is usually planted in open agricultural fields or small farms, where it receives full sunlight and good air circulation. It can also grow in upland or lowland areas, as long as soil drainage is sufficient (MARDI, 2021).

C. Traditional Uses/ TK- related info

Culinary 

• Flour and Dough: Ground into meal or flour to make flatbreads (chapatis), tortillas, tamales (often using the husks for wrapping), arepas, and cornbread.

• Porridges and Grits: Used to make various porridges like polenta (Italy), ugali or pap (Africa), and hominy grits (USA).

• Whole Kernels: Boiled, roasted, or grilled on the cob; added to soups, stews, and stir-fries.

• Fritters and Snacks: Made into corn fritters (known as perkedel jagung or bakwan jagung in Indonesia) and popcorn.

• Beverages and Sweeteners: Used to produce alcoholic beverages and sweeteners like corn syrup. 

Traditional Non-Culinary Uses. 

• Animal Feed: A significant portion of corn (maize) production is traditionally and currently used as feed for livestock.

• Traditional Medicine: Corn silk (the threads in the husk) is traditionally used in some medicinal teas.

• Crafts and Materials: Corn husks are used for crafts, such as making dolls or filling material, and the stalks can be used for products like paper or wallboard.

• Fuel: Dried cobs are sometimes used directly as fuel.